Oracle closing former Cerner HQ in post-acquisition scaleback across metro
October 31, 2022 | Kevin Collison
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by CityScene KC, an online news source focused on Greater Downtown Kansas City. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for the weekly CityScene KC email review.
Oracle is pulling the plug on the former world headquarters of Cerner in North Kansas City, relocating its employees to its Innovations Campus near I-435 and Bannister Road in south Kansas City.
“In order to provide employees with the best environment in which to work and collaborate, we are consolidating our workforce into the recently expanded Innovations campus,” Misti Preston, Oracle direction of public relations, said in a statement.
Founded in 1979 by Neal Patterson, Paul Gorup and Cliff Illig, Cerner is a leading provider of digital information systems used within hospitals to enable medical professionals to deliver better healthcare to individual patients and communities. One of Kansas City’s largest employers, Cerner acquisition by Austin-based Oracle closed in June.
The former headquarters of Cerner at 2800 Rockcreek Parkway has been a huge presence in North Kansas City since the late 1980s and 1990s, and city officials learned about the decision on social media late Friday.
Mayor Briant DeLong said the first report was from a Reddit post, apparently from an Oracle employee who had been notified that day.
“They’ve been quiet with us, especially since Oracle took over,” DeLong said.
“Its disappointing to learn about this via Reddit, especially after (Cerner’s) long history in our town. We’re certainly disappointed to be seeing them go, but I”m not really shocked.”
DeLong didn’t know how many employees remained at the former Cerner headquarters, saying the numbers had dropped significantly since the Covid pandemic prompted many to work from home.
He estimated the immediate financial impact would be the loss of the healthcare technology firm’s annual $150,000 business license.
In recent years, North Kansas City has sought to capitalize on its proximity to downtown Kansas City, adding apartments and entertainment venues. It also is pursuing a plan to extend the streetcar into its core.
Cerner campus; photo by Carlos Moreno, KCUR
DeLong said the closing of the former Cerner headquarters campus may provide opportunities to bring more companies to his city.
“We get calls from people looking to lease space, but haven’t had the space,” he said.
The Oracle consolidation plan also includes relocating employees at its Realization Campus at the former Marion Laboratories building in south Kansas City to the nearby Innovations Campus in the former Bannister Mall site.
Cerner, one of Kansas City’s largest employers, was formally acquired by Austin-based Oracle in June. The exit was announced in December 2021.
Former Cerner campus in Kansas City, Kansas
The Oracle news comes about 18 months after Cerner announced it was closing its “Continuous Campus” in western Wyandotte County at Village West. They too, were relocated to the Innovations Campus.
The two-building Wyandotte office campus, which opened in 2013, was part of a development deal that included a promise by Cerner to bring thousands of new jobs, and Kansas to use STAR Bonds to build the Sporting KC soccer stadium.
In her statement, Preston said the Innovations Campus has ample room to accommodate the employees being relocated there.
“The Innovations campus encompasses nearly 2 million square feet of modern office space, offering several dining options, a comprehensive fitness center, and many other modern workplace amenities,” she said.
“Plus, the Innovations campus offers a large amount of room to further expand as our workforce grows in the region.
“Oracle is excited to have the Kansas City region serve as a critical hub for the company’s workforce. We are actively hiring and bringing people to the area from across Oracle’s operations.”
2022 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
ProX names equity-centered leader as first executive director of its popular student intern program
The new leader of ProX — one of the largest paid internship programs in the country — is expected to be instrumental in taking the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation affiliate to the next level, said Dr. Bill Nicely. ProX and the Kauffman Foundation on Thursday announced the appointment of Solissa Franco-McKay — a longtime supporter…
How an animal health leader’s $130M investment in KC will boost its fight against canine parovirus
ELWOOD, Kansas — A $130 million investment from global animal health leader Elanco is a testament to Kansas’ pro-business economy, said Laura Kelly, lauding this week’s expansion announcement and its plans to bring 70 new jobs to the region’s animal health corridor over the next two years. “Elanco’s expansion not only is creating new job…
Staying transaction-ready in uncertain market conditions
Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. The following is a paid thought leadership piece from The Ferguson Smith Cohen Group at Morgan Stanley. In the face of market uncertainty, one thing private companies can control is their “transaction-readiness” for an IPO or secondary offering. Discover three things a company…
Zee underscores artists’ need for positive venues; creative powerhouse opens pocket of support
Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further. A singer and songwriter herself, Briggs — who…